Part of Our Route 66 Everytown Collection – Bagdad Edition
Wear a piece of the Mojave's vanished past with this ultra-soft unisex jersey tee, expertly spun from 100% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton. Featuring the slogan "Nothing Remains," this tee celebrates Bagdad, California: a powerful ghost town on the Mother Road, or what's left of it anyway.
It's the perfect gift for nostalgic adventurers, desert explorers, or collectors of our exclusive Route 66 Everytown Collection, honoring Bagdad's poignant legacy.
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About Bagdad, California: The Vanished Oasis of the Mojave
Bagdad stands as one of the most poignant "ghosts" along the expanse of Route 66 in the Mojave Desert. Established in the 1880s as a vital stop for both mining operations and the Santa Fe Railroad, it once buzzed with activity. During the 1940s, when Route 66 traffic was at its peak, Bagdad flourished, offering essential services like cafes, gas stations, and a sense of community in an otherwise stark environment. It was a true desert oasis for countless travelers traversing the Mother Road.
Bagdad's fortunes, sadly like many other remote Route 66 towns, took a decisive downturn with the construction of Interstate 40 in the 1970s. The new highway bypassed the town entirely, rerouting the lifeline of traffic that had sustained it. With the loss of passing motorists, businesses closed, residents moved away, and Bagdad slowly succumbed to the desert, becoming completely abandoned. By the 1990s, almost all structures had been razed, leaving virtually no physical trace of the once-thriving community.
Despite its physical disappearance, Bagdad's name achieved a form of immortality through popular culture, specifically the 1987 film "Bagdad Cafe." While the film's iconic cafe was actually located in Newberry Springs, the movie's title cemented Bagdad's place in the collective consciousness, lending a melancholic, almost mythical aura to-the-now desolate site.
Today, there is little to see at the original location of Bagdad beyond an empty expanse of desert, perhaps a few scattered foundations, and the occasional sign denoting its former existence. Yet, for dedicated Route 66 adventurers, the desolate site remains a compelling draw. It offers a powerful, visceral connection to the Mother Road's lost stories, serving as a stark reminder of the highway's profound impact on the towns it created and, ultimately, abandoned.
Product Features:
- 100% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton for premium softness
- Side seams for added structure and durability
- Tear-away label for comfort
- Classic crew neckline with a flattering unisex fit - true-to-size for all day comfort (see size chart for details)
- Fulfilled in the USA
Care Instructions:
- Machine wash: cold (max 90°F / 30°C)
- Tumble dry: low heat
- Non-chlorine bleach as needed
- Iron or steam: medium heat
- Do not dry clean
